Starting a flower garden from seeds can be an exciting and cost-effective way to create a beautiful landscape. However, as a first-time gardener, I learned that growing flowers from seeds can come with its own set of challenges. By sharing my mistakes, I hope to help you avoid the pitfalls I encountered, ensuring your garden flourishes from the start.
Why I Decided to Grow Flowers from Seeds
When my fiancé and I purchased our first home, I was inspired by the beautiful gardens left by the previous owner. As a new homeowner, I was eager to honor their work and restore the gardens, including planting a cut flower garden. My goal was to one day step outside and gather a bouquet of fresh flowers from my own yard. To save money, I decided to start flowers from seeds indoors, a practice that seemed ideal for my hardiness zone (5b), as it allowed me to get a head start before the last frost of the season.
The Benefits of Starting Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors allows you to get a jump on the growing season. By giving your plants a head start, they can reach their full potential before the last frost date passes, giving them more time to grow and bloom. This method also protects your seedlings from cold weather and ensures a longer growing period, allowing you to enjoy flowers throughout the warmer months.
My Initial Approach and Mistakes
In the spring, I eagerly followed an online calculator to determine when to start my seeds. I purchased seed-starting kits, complete with peat plugs and fertilizers, and selected a variety of flower seeds for my cut flower garden. My excitement quickly turned to frustration, as my seedlings thrived initially but then started to deteriorate once transplanted outdoors.
Mistake #1: Excess Moisture
One of my first mistakes was maintaining high moisture levels by keeping the lid on the seed-starting tray for too long. While the lid helped to create a humid environment during germination, it resulted in too much dampness once the seeds sprouted. This excess moisture led to mold growth and weak seedlings. In hindsight, I should have removed the lid after the seedlings appeared to provide better air circulation.
Mistake #2: Overcrowding Seeds
Another error I made was over-sowing seeds in each peat plug. Although I followed the recommended guideline of planting 2-3 seeds per plug, I sometimes added more, thinking I would get a higher yield. This caused the seedlings to compete for space and nutrients, weakening their growth and leading to drooping. I later learned that thinning out the extra sprouts early on is essential for healthy development.
Mistake #3: Skipping the Hardening Off Process
The most significant mistake I made was skipping the “hardening off” process. This step is crucial for acclimating indoor-grown seedlings to the outdoor environment. I mistakenly assumed my plants would be fine without gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. However, this led to shock when I transplanted them into the garden, causing them to wilt and die. The proper approach involves gradually introducing seedlings to the outdoors, starting with short periods and gradually increasing the time. This helps the plants adjust to sunlight, wind, and temperature changes, ensuring they are strong enough to survive.
Starting a flower garden from seeds is a rewarding experience, but it requires patience and careful attention to detail. By learning from my mistakes—managing moisture levels, properly spacing seeds, and hardening off seedlings—you can set yourself up for success and avoid the heartbreak I faced. With the right preparation, you can create a lush, vibrant cut flower garden that provides fresh blooms all season long.
